Wanderers fall to cross-city rivals Sydney FC

Sweltering conditions, an own goal and countless crossbars made for a hard fought win for Sydney FC when they visited their cross-city rivals on derby day.

It was a derby fixture marked by sweltering conditions at Pirtek Stadium that carried more than just the usual intercity rivalry. Sydney FC, sitting bottom of the table, were looking to kick start their 2015/16 campaign while the Western Sydney Wanderers, with only one point, found themselves in a similar position.

It was the Sky Blues who opened the scoring after a tantalising Sydney through ball allowed the away side to capitalise on a free kick that ricocheted back off the crossbar and found its way in through Leena Khamis.

With an early goal behind them Sydney FC began an enthusiastic opening 10 minutes, however the Wanderers’ passing and movement almost had the better of them on several occasions.

The Red and Black provided a myriad of options moving forward but struggled to convert on some convincing chances. And they would soon be beside themselves when in the 36th minute, the Wanderers conceded an own goal. Turned in off a corner by Keeper Mathyssen-Whyman, it was a first half to forget for the home side.

2-0 up the Sky Blues entered the second half vivaciously. Their heavy reliance on Spencer as the lone counter attacking play began to dissipate giving way to a far more open and heated second half. And the introduction of Ibini-Isei cultivated an attacking partnership for the Sky Blue’s marked by direct play.

Underpinned by some remarkable saves and a decent second half for keeper Mathyssen-Whyman, the Wanderers regained their grip on the game and saw their efforts rewarded in the 82nd minute with a goal headed in by Linda O’Neill.

The Wanderer’s goal made for a frantic final 10 minutes, however Sydney FC would prevail and take all three points in a 2-1 victory. Sydney move off bottom spot and leap the Wanderers who will be eager to find their first win next round when they face Newcastle Jets at Magic Park.